So ages ago 343 talked about how “Expansive” the world was and how we could truly explore for ages. The fact that there was a “Tac Map” in the gameplay demo screams open world right? But I and many others wonder, is it really an open world? Or are the levels just going to be THAT big?
So from what we know, 343 has never clarified that the game is a true “open world” but obviously it has taken inspiration and parts of it into the campaign. I have three predictions on how Halo Infinite open world would be really like,
A: The missions are going to be so big that they require travel points here and there a bit similar to CE but on a bigger scale. (I personally think this would be the best choice)
B: Open world would be executed similar to how Gears of War 5 executed there campaign, you have your standard linear missions with some side objectives on the side.
C: Open world is going to have its standard missions but will be bloated with side quests and exploration is so scripted that it will be targeted in a more of a check to do-list. (This is what I fear 343 meant by “Bigger than halo 5 and Halo 4 combined”)
Whatever it is, 343 has mentioned that there’s a lot comeback to once you finish the campaign so for now we can only rely on speculation. I’m inferring that 343 will focus on having large missions that can be done in separate orders with a couple of side objectives here and there, similar to ODST.; Some of them will rely on the generic open world objectives while other side objectives are a bit more natural, a combination of Option A and B.
I’ve never gelled with the term ‘open world’. There are limits in both directions. On the small scale there is always a door, cupboard, or window that can’t be opened… and on the big scale there are always rivers that can’t be crossed, cliffs that can’t be scaled, etc.
So yes, I agree… you will have huge areas available to traverse… but the campaigns / missions will draw you to where you need to be.